Early hot takes for Bengals 2018 season

Tyler Eifert will stay healthy and lead the Bengals in touchdowns

Tyler Eifert has been nothing if not mercurial in a Bengals uniform. A first-round draft pick in 2013, the tight end was seemingly headed for stardom after his first few seasons. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Eifert throughout his career. In 2014, Eifert dislocated his elbow, keeping him out virtually the entire year. In 2016, Eifert missed the first half of the year with the ankle injury he suffered during the Pro Bowl. The Bengals placed him on injured reserve at the end of 2016, and that back injury kept him out all of 2017.

The elbow and ankle injuries are freak injuries that should not affect Eifert’s long-term health. The back injury, however, is certainly concerning, as those injuries have been known to linger in players. I’m not that concerned, though. The Bengals were extremely cautious with Eifert following his 2016 injury, not letting him play at all in 2017. Eifert has had plenty of time to recover and get back into game shape fully. The early returns from this season seem promising, too.

Eifert also has lots to prove on a one-year deal. Should he get injured or disappoint on the field this season, his career would be in serious jeopardy. I expect Eifert to play with a massive chip on his shoulder this year. Eifert will stay healthy this year. Eifert will play more than 12 games. And Eifert will lead the Bengals in touchdowns this season.

I’m expecting this season to mirror 2015 for Eifert. He tallied 600 yards and 13 touchdowns that season in 13 games. Given his skill set and size (which he never lost), he can easily match those numbers this year. A healthy Eifert is the second best receiving threat on the Bengals, and a healthy Eifert makes the Bengals’ red zone offense nearly unstoppable. Eifert will be motivated by this one-year contract and will remind Bengals fans just how good he can be when he’s on the field.

-Jack Lane